Phi Phi Islands: famously known the world over for their exceptional marine scenery of sheer karst cliffs, white sandy beaches and crystal clear water, this national park chain of islands is best visited in a day. But you can stay several nights on the distinctive butterfly shaped Phi Phi Don, where two deep bays almost meet - providing a small stretch of land and an ideal holiday venue. After suffering terribly from the tsunami, much of the rampant over-development of this special island was removed and it remains a beauty spot of unique note. Phi Phi Ley is even more exclusive and certainly pristine, with no inhabitation allowed. The Hollywood blockbuster ‘The Beach’ was filmed here. At its centre are two much visited attractions; James Bond Island - with its landmark karst finger offshore of the beach that featured in the ‘Man with the Goldern Gun’; and Koh Phan Yee, a Muslim fishing village on stilts that goes back more than a century and is a popular place for lunch. Pha Nga bay is also popular for kayaking among the caves and lagoons. Krabi and Railay Beach: are reached by speedboat in 90 minutes and offer a more down-to-earth and modest, but popular, resort area. Most of the hotels are found in Ao Nang but it is nearby Railay Beach - a spit of land reachable by boat only - that is worthy of tourist brochures. Surin Islands: lie of the west coast of Phuket and are a popular destination for divers who come for the reefs and untouched marine parks. Since the islands are not permanently inhabited and protected by national park status, their boulder strewn beaches are virtually untouched and offer a rare sight for the few who make it this far. Khao Lak: located an hour’s drive north, is an altogether more natural coastal area with long, unspoilt beaches and far less development. Unfortunately the infrastructure here was absolutely devastated by the tsunami and has never quite recovered. It’s a popular base for divers and has some lovely national park areas. Richy Island: located a short boat ride from the east coast, is a good place to escape and doesn’t allow overnight stays so the island is reasonable unspoilt by development. It boasts good beaches and a variety of water sports. Racha Islands: are a small group off the south side of the island and popular for convenient diving and snorkelling. It also has lovely beaches which you might have all to yourself. | 
